"In Ohio, nearly two million people, including 300,000 children, struggle with some form of mental illness.  However, only 25 percent of all adults and 12 percent of all adolescents who need treatment actually receive it," Brown said.

     "I'm pleased to participate in this important conference primarily because of the need to educate people across the nation that mental illness is a serious medical problem.  Mental illness, including depression, is not related to character flaws.  Research has proved that mental illness is due to disorders of the brain that can be fully treated.  That's why people with mental illness must have access to quality, affordable health care to help them live their lives to the fullest," he added.

     The conference was organized by Vice President Gore and Tipper Gore as part of a national initiative to increase attention to diagnosis and treatment of mental health and depression.  Brown's panel discussed how to better integrate mental health services into the general health care field and the importance of addressing depression as a widespread social issue.  Brown is a leader in Congress in working to increase access to quality, affordable health care for people in Ohio and across the country.